PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH PROVIDING DENTAL-CARE TO PATIENTS WITH HIV-INFECTED AND AIDS PATIENTS

Numerous articles published during the last decade have discussed the significance of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) toward the practice of dentistry. However, only since 1987 have studies been undertaken on the attitudes and behavior of dentists toward HIV-positive patients. A detailed analysis of 15 such reports suggests that concerns regarding the perceived stigma of treating such patients, together with a fear that HIV is transmitted through dental treatment are major reasons why dentists are reluctant to care for HIV-positive and AIDS patients. Successful resolution of these concerns is time consuming and expensive but necessary if dentists are to satisfy their professional obligations to patients with HIV infection and AIDS.